A major setback for our seas

Our seas are suffering serious damage and need protection now, according to Northumberland Wildlife Trust. The government promised a network of marine protected areas in the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009, to be put into effect in 2012. Some of the 127 marine sites are off our coast.

The most recent statement announces the Government’s intention to gather further evidence on these zones, which were recommended by more than one million stakeholders including fishermen, conservationists and businesses. The process has cost around £8.8million to date. The process of gathering additional evidence is expected to delay designation of Marine Conservation Zones by at least a year.

The wildlife charity fears the delayed time could put marine species and habitats at considerable risk of further degradation.

The Wildlife Trusts’ national Petition Fish campaign aims to raise public support for Marine Protected Areas at sea. To find out more visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/petitionfish.